There is something really compelling about this book that kept me from putting it down the moment I started reading it. I loved how each chapter was structured and written. Not overtly long and overbearing or too short and bare. I think that a good indication of how captivating a book is, is by how eager you feel the urge to continue reading after a chapter has come to a close -- something I experienced many, many times over and over. However, do not get me wrong, this book is not a suspense thriller novel but it does leave you hanging on the edge questioning your expectations as to might possible unfold next. All of us must have at some point dreamed about being a famous celebrity or at least idolized them like a god. And because of this we sometimes forget just how human they really are. We all experience hardship, stress, heartache and depression at some point in our lives. Some maybe more often and/or longer than others. This book I find, helps us keep our perspectives in checked and offers a glimpse into the mind of a young adult growing up in the 90's living a what seems to be a dead end life, with dreams that seem to be too big and beyond her reach. A rut that many teens and young adults were in while growing up in the 90's and still persists today (to some degree), as society's notion of and distinction of "success" and "happiness" are blurred and constantly under scrutiny. Although the characters and events are fictional, I was still able to relate and associate many different aspects of them to my own life. Which probably is another factor as to why this book is so appealing to me. It surprises me at how many of the characters are able to develop throughout the book without compromising the protagonist's own development. After all, a good book is only as good as how well a reader is able to make them come alive in their own minds given what is written on paper. With that all said and done, I would definitely recommend Fire to all the young adults out there, as well as present a challenge to everyone else to give this book a chance. Who knows? You just might end up liking it as much as I do. You will never know until you give it a try.

Tarah's story drew me in and I finished this book in half a weekend! "Fire" is an unflinching look at the music industry in the 90's and the ups and downs of the decade. An impressive first novel by Mima-- I'm eagerly awaiting her next!